Gameweek 5 of NSL saw all hard fought games with nothing coming easy for any team. Rohit Titans upped their game and ended Bijlee Spartans’ unbeaten run with a well deserved victory. The top two teams are on level points after 5 weeks and with only 4 weeks to play, all games are crucial. The third and fourth placed teams are not far behind on 10 points and can close the gap if they perform well in their remaining matches.
Hardeos Phoenix and Lighthouse Rangers also played a thrilling match with one goal giving Hardeos Phoenix the win and much needed three points. Amitasha played brilliantly to win against Pablos Greenhouse FC and have improved a lot as a team over the last 5 weeks. Simmbas Dynamos and Divyansh Steels Slum Soccer played an exciting match that could have gone either way but Steffen’s strike gave Slum Soccer the points and they now lead the table along with Bijlee Spartans.
Galaxy FC conceded two quick goals in the second half against a passionate Nujsters Slum Soccer B team and now they are at the bottom half of the table. Overall, it was an exciting Sunday with over 200 players participating for their sides. NSL also organised an exhibition match for the local children who wanted to be involved in the action and gave them an amazing playing experience.
Match 1: Rohit’s Titans FC vs Bijlee Spartans
Rohit’s Titans shocked Bijlee Spartans and Kushal Kamdi gave them the lead in the first minute with his fourth goal of the tournament assisted by Karan Taori. Bijlee Spartans tried very hard for an equalizer and a comeback into the game, however Titans were strong in defense and barely gave any chances. Titans doubled their lead in the 14th minute with another goal from Kushal Kamdi, who is proving to be a valuable asset for the Titans. Bijlee Spartans tasted their first defeat of the tournament and must pick themselves up if they have to challenge for the title.
Final score 2 – 0
Rohits Titans FC 2 – 0 Bijlee Spartans
Man of the Match – Kushal Kamdi (Rohits Titans FC)
Match 2: Lighthouse Rangers vs Hardeos Phoenix FC
Hardeos Phoenix FC narrowly won over Lighthouse Rangers FC in the second match of the day after an unstoppable long range shot by Rahul Atulkar into the right top corner in the 45th minute. This was a tightly contested affair and most of the match was played in the midfield. The Rangers had very few chances and got some attacking set pieces to get back in the game after conceding a goal, however, they could not convert them. Lighthouse Rangers missed out on the opportunity to top the table and now find themselves in the 3rd position.
FINAL SCORE 0 – 1
Lighthouse Rangers FC 0 – 1 Hardeos Phoenix FC
Man of the Match – Rahul Atulkar (Hardeos Phoenix FC)
Match 3: Galaxy FC vs Nujsters Slum Soccer B
Galaxy FC started the match well with some good goal scoring chances in the first half but failed to convert any of them. Nujster Slum Soccer made a key substitution in the second half and began the second half with a lot of energy and intent and took the lead through an own goal by Saurabh who kicked the ball into his own net while clearing a corner. Nujsters Slum Soccer B immediately scored a second goal through a counter attack and crushed Galaxy FC’s hope for a comeback.
Final score 0 – 2Â
Man of the Match – Rashid (Nujster’s Slum Soccer B)
Match 4: Amitasha United FC vs Pablos Greenhouse FC
Amitasha United produced a fine display to win their first match of the tournament and absolutely dominated the game against Greenhouse FC. Ubaid opened the scoring for Amitasha as he scored a superb goal from long range in the 6th minute. Mayank doubled Amitasha’s lead in the 15th minute as he beat the goalkeeper and placed the ball in the bottom right corner. Both goals were assisted by Aatir Zair. Greenhouse FC’s goalkeeper Roshan made an amazing save throughout the match and was a delight to watch. Greenhouse FC did create a few chances but were unable to get past Amitasha’s resilient defence.
Final score 2 – 0
Amitasha United FC 2 – 0 Pablos Greenhouse FC
Man of the Match – Aatir Zair (Amitasha United FC)
Match 5: Simmbas Dynamos FC vs Divyansh Steel Slum Soccer
Slum Soccer was determined to win this match and regain their first position in the league since they had lost the last game due to a walkover. On the other hand, Dynamos were determined to win their first match of the league and improve their standings in the league table. The match was very competitive till the final whistle and Steffen’s goal for Divyansh Steels Slum Soccer separated the two sides in the end.
Final score 0 – 1
Simmbas Dynamos 0 – 1 Divyansh Steels Slum Soccer
Man of the Match – Steffen (Divyansh Steels Slum Soccer)
| NSL Leader board (Season 2) | |||||||||
| Position | Team | P | W | L | D | F | A | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Divyansh Steel’s Slum Soccer | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| 2 | Bijlee Spartans | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 12 |
| 3 | Lighthouse Rangers FC | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| 4 | Nujster’s Slum Soccer B | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 10 |
| 5 | Hardeo’s Phoenix FC | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| 6 | Rohit’s Titans | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 8 |
| 7 | Galaxy FC | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 5 |
| 8 | Amitasha United FC | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 4 |
| 9 | Simmba’s Dynamos FC | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 1 |
| 10 | Pablo’s Greenhouse FC | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 17 | -16 | 0 |